MySejahtera, the mobile app used by practically every adult in the nation during the pandemic, has seen its usefulness outlived after most of its users abandoned it following the abolishment of the mandatory check-in requirement. Since then, the government has been trying to revamp the app into a national health app that can set up appointments for health services.
Now it seems that the government might add another feature to keep the app alive, as it could be used as the official channel to distribute subsidies. Yesterday, Deputy Finance Minister II Steven Sim revealed that one of the mechanisms being looked into to distribute targeted subsidies without any leakages is using MySejahtera.
This was in response to Senator Arman Azha Abu Hanifah who claimed that the main issue facing the country is the loss of subsidies to foreigners. He then proposed that MySejahtera be used as the distribution channel for government aid as most people are already on the app.
Earlier this month, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said that the targeted subsidy programme would be implemented next year following the launch of the Main Data Base System (PADU) in November, which will verify the socioeconomic status of each citizen. This will apparently ensure that eligible households will not be left out.
The planned targeted subsidies currently include diesel and electricity, while RON95 petrol will be included in the future. While the exact distribution method has not been confirmed, one of the suggested mechanisms includes e-wallets.
(Source: Utusan)
